Author Archives: Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi

Rouhani’s major challenges: Isolation, economy, relations with neighbours Iran attracts international attention not merely because of its geographic location and its oil and gas resources. Its uneasy relationship with the Arab kingdoms…

Realisation of opportunities shall be a challenge Pakistan and China assign a high priority to their bilateral relations. Though these relations are mutually advantageous and China has won over Pakistan as a…

If declared targets are met, the economy can improve There are two major perspectives on the new federal budget. One perspective emphasizes the election promises and the other perspective judges the budget…

Why central and northern Punjab should not have a monopoly over key federal positions The new era of democracy in Pakistan is characterized by civilian continuity and peaceful constitutional transfer of power…

Pakistan’s political leaders excel in undercutting each other. They are now refusing to fully acknowledge each other’s electoral success. If this trend persists they will become vulnerable to manipulation to state institutions…

Parties and their high-sounding propaganda Party manifesto and party leaders talk of high policy matters. High sounding and wild promises are made without paying any attention to financial and administrative imperatives for…

Election Diary – 5: Dissecting the high-sounding, catch-all party programmes Election campaign and the disposition of political parties can be judged at two levels: the election manifesto and the statements of the top…

Militants threaten peaceful, orderly hustings Balochistan has 14 general seats in the National Assembly and 51 general seats in the Provincial Assembly. There are additional seats reserved for women and non-Muslims. They…

Election is the most civilised way to elect new assemblies and new governments March 16, 2013, is a landmark date in Pakistan’s troubled political history. The elected National Assembly and elected civilian…